The Story of The Ski Week Aspen 2018

  We arrived at Timberline alongside 500 adventurers from around the globe. One thing we all shared in common? We were all ready and raring to live the spring-skiing dream under blazing blue skies in the USA’s most fabled mountain town. Gathering together in a celebration of life, travel, and adventure, we cheered to the glorious week ahead and made tracks to Aspen Highlands’ triumphant final après-ski of the season. Friendships were made beneath the glowing embers of fireworks lighting up the sky.  

Arising early, we grabbed a morning coffee and hit the slopes hard. The beauty of these mountains is that all manner of skill levels are welcome. Beginners, refreshers, and powder pros all syncing in unison for the love of snow. We gathered up at Venga Venga for a top-notch lunch on the sundeck, mainly consisting of unlimited guac and chips, soaking in Snowmass in all its glory. In the evening, Red gave an award-worthy introductory speech to set the mood for the week. Spirits were high and smiles were wide at aprés.

 

The day started off as every day should, with yoga. Hands down, a warm-up vinyasa flow post wake-up makes for the perfect mountain morning. Feeling stretched and prepped for the adventures ahead, we set off for the slopes. Muscles aching and hearts racing, we refueled at Gwyn’s High Alpine, our favourite place to dig into the local dishes. Full to the brim, we chose to spend the rest of the day lazing around by the poolside before heading to a German-themed dinner at The Edge.

   

Hopping on buses into Downtown Aspen early doors, we were ready to relax and explore arguably the most charming mountain town in the USA, filled with inspiring local businesses and best-in-class international offerings. Having voyaged to the top of Silverqueen Gondola, lunch was served with soaring panoramas. Plates empty, we then went on a spot of shrine hunting in a bid to learn about the hometown heroes and local legends of old. We then partied like locals at the legendary AJAX Tavern, with Bladtkramer & TooManyLeftHands providing insane sounds to dance the afternoon away to.

   

Everybody knows that first chairlift is where the real skiing happens. We gathered up a group to go searching for empty slopes, crisp morning air, and to, most importantly, meet the real skiers/snowboarders in the Aspen community. Those that weren’t thigh-high in powder opted for a slower and steadier start to the day doing some yurt yoga at Crestwood lounge. The rest of the day was one for welcoming in the weekenders. It’s always magical seeing newbies in town, fresh-faced and full of excitement.

   

The day to don your Racysuit and prove yourself in timed slalom races, get your name in lights on the leaderboard and record your personal best time is always a gripping one. Stakes were high as the top 10 fastest racers fought to make it through to the grand finals in a bid to win a Limited Edition Racysuit. Our winners were crowned reigning champions on the podium for all to witness and their names marked down in Ski Week history. The celebrations continued at our long table banquet as we feasted with friends new and old. With the sun still high in the sky, we raised our flags for the Parade of Nations and weaved our way down the mountain in a colourful pattern, rolling straight into apres at Venga Venga. When the darkness set in, our torches were lit for a mountain descent beneath the stars.

   

We sipped champagne and reflected over the week over lunch at Lynn Britt Cabin before heading over to watch the spectacular pond skim. The ultimate challenge of skill, style, and luck. To all those who competed, we salute you! We then headed to Timberline to send off the week with a grand sunset session. Vibes provided by DJs Bladtkramer and TooManyLeftHands, love provided by all 500 Ski Weekers present ❤️

  Like what you see? Sign up for 2019 pre-bookings here to guarantee your spot for next year: https://www.theskiweek.com/aspen